Welcome to Peru, where colourful cities rub shoulders with wild rainforests and ancient monuments. On this nine-day Premium adventure, join a local leader to discover Peru's Inca, Indigenous and modern sides of Peru on an immersive journey that hits the Amazon and Machu Picchu – one of the Seven Wonders of the World. From the historical charm of Lima to the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, you'll take walking tours of thriving cities with an expert local leader, spend a night in a thatched cabana lodge surrounded by the sounds of the rainforest, take a 360 train with incredible views of Inca ruins and spend time with the local Willoq community for a chance to witness the Peruvian culture firsthand.
Day 1: LimaBienvenido! Welcome to Peru. Your adventure begins in Lima, where you’ll be met at the airport and transferred to your hotel for a welcome meeting at 2 pm. After, head out to get to know the city on a walking tour of downtown Lima with your leader. Admire the buildings of Plaza Mayor and visit the eerie catacombs of the Saint Francis Monastery, then head away from the tourist trail to Alameda de Chabuca Granda – an area popular with the locals. Stop off at the colourful street food stalls to sample some of Lima’s favourite sweet treats, like Peruvian doughnuts and mazamorra morada (porridge made from purple corn). Lima has one of the world’s most revered culinary scenes, and tonight, you’ll head to one of the city’s best restaurants that boasts stunning views, surrounded by ancient ruins. The creative chef here offers traditional Peruvian dishes with modern twists in a one-of-a-kind environment.
Day 2: Amazon JungleToday, you’ll catch a flight to Puerto Maldonado. When you arrive, take a bus to the port where you’ll board motorised canoes and head into the Amazon rainforest. Keep an eye out for macaws, herons, alligators and capybaras along the way. Here, you’ll find Inkaterra Hacienda Concepcion – your Feature Stay for the next two nights. Built in the heart of a 380-hectare private ecological reserve, this unique resort is focused on the conservation of local habitats and features 25 private cabanas plus an on-site team of expert local guides. Enjoy lunch at the lodge, then explore the Concepcion Trails with an expert guide. As darkness begins to fall, join a guided Twilight River boat ride and try to spot some caimans lurking on the riverbanks. Dinner tonight will be a la carte and draws on local Amazon ingredients.
Day 3: Amazon JungleAfter breakfast, board a dug-out wooden canoe and glide across Lake Sandoval, keeping an eye out for potential wildlife sightings, like red howler monkeys, giant river otters and colourful macaws. After lunch, you might like to walk along the Inkaterra Canopy Walkway – a 344 m network of suspension bridges that take you high above the forest floor to some of the best places to spot toucans, woodpeckers, monkeys and three-toed sloths. Join a night walk to discover the nocturnal activity in the surrounding areas or book into the lodge’s spa before you meet your group for dinner.
Day 4: CuscoThis morning, you’ll travel back to Puerto Maldonado, then take a flight to Cusco – the former centre of the Inca Empire. Arrive in the early afternoon and settle into your hotel, then head out with your leader for an orientation walk to familiarise yourself with one of South America’s oldest cities and get used to the high altitude. Stop by the stunning Plaza de Armas – the heart of the city, flanked by ornate churches. Visit the World Heritage-listed Cusco Cathedral, built on top of an Inca palace and one of the city's greatest repositories of art. Here, you’ll meet with a local historian guide who will provide expert insight into the building’s art, architecture and history and the surrounding city. The evening is free for your own discoveries – Cusco offers no shortage of restaurants, and as night falls, the city is swept up in a flurry of live music and late-night street food stalls.
Day 5: CuscoToday, you’ll discover more of Cusco’s charms on a walking tour with your leader. Visit the Coricancha Temple – once the most important temple in the Inca Empire. Meet with a local guide to uncover the secrets of the temple and the ancient civilisation that first built it. After, head to the San Pedro market, where you can practice your bargaining skills and take photos, then swing by the Plaza de Armas for another look at the cathedral. The afternoon is free to explore at your own pace – speak to your leader about the option to arrange a cooking class at a local restaurant using fair trade products, or take the half-day Inkilltambo trek, exploring an archaeologic site on the city’s outskirts.
Day 6: OllantaytamboThis morning, travel through the Sacred Valley towards Ollantaytambo, passing maize crops and fertile terraces carved into the valley walls. Stop by the fortress of Sacsayhuaman, where the massive stone blocks that form the walls provide an impressive picture of how greatly developed Inca engineering was. Visit the Willoq community to gain a greater insight into the local lifestyle and visit a local workshop where you’ll learn about traditional textile techniques that are used by the community – you’ll even have the chance to make your own bracelet with the local women! Sit down for a festive pachamanca lunch. After, visit AMA – a local restaurant specialising in organic produce – and learn how they support single mothers in the Sacred Valley. Continue to Ollantaytambo – a magnificent example of Inca urban planning and the perfect warm up for Machu Picchu. Explore Ollantaytambo's archaeological site with an expert local guide who will discuss the evidence of the Incas' engineering skills in the ruins of ancient aqueducts, irrigation canals, dams, terraces and centres of worship dedicated to Pachamama (Mother Earth).
Day 7: Aguas Calientes - Machu PicchuToday, travel from Ollantaytambo to Aguas Calientes in style, boarding the 360 Machu Picchu Train. High, domed windows offer unbelievable views of the Andes, allowing you to sit back comfortably and take it all in. The train also features an open-air observation carriage to completely immerse yourself in the remarkable landscape. Disembark the train in Aguas Calientes, drop your belongings at your hotel, then take a short bus ride up the winding road to Machu Picchu, where you’ll be joined by a guide who will take you through the ruins and tell you stories of its history. The true purpose behind Machu Picchu, one of the Seven Wonders of the World, may always be a mystery since no records of the complex exist. Most archaeologists, however, believe it to be the 15th-century headquarters of Emperor Pachacuti. Later, take the bus back down to Aguas Calientes.
Day 8: CuscoRise before the sun and take the winding road back up to the incredible Machu Picchu. On your second visit, explore more of the extraordinary architecture of the temples, palaces and living quarters. Looking at Machu Picchu as it sits against a backdrop of forested mountains is a truly breathtaking experience. Its mortar-free design is particularly earthquake resistant, and the stones are so precisely cut that, to this day, not even a knife fits between them! Take the bus back to Aguas Calientes, then catch a train back to Ollantaytambo. From here, you’ll make the drive back to Cusco for the evening.
Day 9: CuscoYour adventure comes to an end after breakfast this morning. If you would like to extend your stay in Cusco, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation.
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